Arsene Wenger handed teenage midfielder Joe Willock a surprise start in Sunday's Premier League defeat to Newcastle United, as reported by The Mirror.

The 18-year-old was drafted in with both Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere out of the trip to Tyneside, as Wenger shuffled his pack following Thursday's Europa League trip to CSKA Moscow.

Willock - an England under-19 international - has played nine times for the Gunners this season but all of those have come in cup competitions, with his debut coming against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup in September.

He last played when coming off the bench in the Europa League last-32, second leg clash with Ostersunds in February, which the Gunners lost 2-1.

Willock is the youngest of three brothers to all come through the Arsenal academy, but is the only one currently at the club.

Joe Willock:

Description on Arsenal website: The talented prospect can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either flank. A stylish midfielder with a good passing range, Joe is also a powerful runner and has a few tricks up his sleeve.

(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Chris, 19, joined Benfica this summer and currently plays for their B team while Matty, 21, is contracted to Manchester United but is on loan at Utrecht.

The Willock brothers grew up close to Arsenal in Walthamstow, north east London, and all came through club's Hale End academy.

The Gunners took steps to ensure that the younger Willock stays with them by awarding his progress with a new deal in November.